Removal instructions for the AgentSector adware-type application

What kind of application is AgentSector?

Our research team found the AgentSector app while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon examination, we determined that this application is advertising-supported software (adware). AgentSector belongs to the AdLoad malware family. Adware aims to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.

AgentSector adware overview

Adware poses a variety of serious threats. It typically feeds users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, etc.) is displayed on visited webpages or other interfaces.

However, specific conditions may be necessary for this software to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether AgentSector displays ads – the app's presence on a system remains a threat to device integrity and user safety.

Not only can adware-delivered adverts diminish the browsing experience (by overlaying webpages), but they also promote deceptive and dangerous content (e.g., online scams, unreliable/harmful software, malware, etc.). Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the ads can carry them out upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that while genuine products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely undertaken by scammers motivated to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted content's affiliate programs.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, the AgentSector adware did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Additionally, AgentSector might collect sensitive user information, as data-tracking functionalities are standard for advertising-supported software.

Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, software like AgentSector may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AgentSector
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to Adload malware family.
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

FormatProtocol, RankingDomainName, BrowserQuest, PromoteMemory, DeviceControl – are merely some of our latest articles on adware. Software within this classification typically appears legitimate and harmless.

Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of handy functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be mentioned that operational features alone do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did AgentSector install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. Installation processes have to be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, features, etc.

We also advise exercising caution while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., pornography, gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AgentSector, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once AgentSector adware's installation is over:

AgentSector adware's installation folder:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is AgentSector?
• STEP 1. Remove AgentSector related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove AgentSector ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove AgentSector adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove AgentSector ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove AgentSector adware using Combo Cleaner:

AgentSector adware removal:

Remove AgentSector-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash.

After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware-displayed ads may promote content that is capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove AgentSector adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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